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Jay Cutler makes Josh McDaniels look like a genius

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

When the Chicago Bears made the trade for Pro Bowl QB Jay Culter, everyone – and I mean everyone – said that they got the best of the Denver Broncos in the deal.  I mean, Cutler for Kyle Orton and a few draft picks?!?  Experts across the land destroyed Josh McDaniels for making such a foolish, rookie move, and most felt that Cutler would flourish in Chicago, while the Broncos would flounder under questionable leadership. Fast forward to 7 months later, and all of the sudden, Josh McDaniels looks like the smartest man ever to walk the face of the earth.

Cutler threw 5 interceptions in last night’s 10-6 loss to the 49ers, including one on the final play that ended a potential game-winning drive by the Bears.  And there could have been more.  The loss takes the Bears to 4-5 on the season, and brings Cutler’s season total to a league-leading 17 interceptions, on pace to break Peyton Manning’s record of 28 in one year.  Meanwhile, Orton has thrown just 4 INTs so far this year, and the Broncos are leading the AFC East at 6-2.

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Sure, Cutler said all the right things after the game, but you can just tell that he’s breaking down mentally on the field.  He looks uncomfortable out there, and his decision making process has been atrocious.  Plus, the Bears offense seems intent on having Cutler throw to his check-down receiver on almost every play, instead of utilizing the big arm he’s famous for to try and stretch the field a bit.  It seems like a bad fit all-around, and it’s only a matter of time before the team starts cracking under the weight of Cutler’s performance.

So, at least at the mid-season point, it sure looks like the Broncos got the better of this deal.  And this just in: Cutler got picked off yet again at breakfast this morning.